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advanced-math

A substance decays to half its amount every 10 days. If you start with 800 grams, how much remains after 10 days?

A

400 grams

B

200 grams

C

600 grams

D

100 grams

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the correct answer. Use the half-life concept.

  1. Half-Life: Every 10 days, the amount is multiplied by 0.50.5.
  2. After 10 Days: 800×0.5=400800 \times 0.5 = 400 grams.
  3. Formula: A(t)=800(0.5)t/10A(t) = 800(0.5)^{t/10} where tt is in days.

💡 Strategic Tip: After one half-life period, exactly half remains.

Choice B is incorrect because this would be after 20 days (two half-lives). Choice C is incorrect because this is not half of 800. Choice D is incorrect because this would be after 30 days.